PHILIPPINES

TAIPEI

VIETNAM

DESTINATION

THINGS TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG

Culture

Carefully curated selection of activities and excursions are designed to highlight the region’s landscape and culture.Luang Prabang is a magical blend of deep-rooted Laos traditions with a dash of French colonial joie de vivre, for a culture all its own.

Temples

From the misty morning streets lined with monks, to the gorgeous temples that glisten in the sunlight, this is a town that revolves around ancient rituals.

River Cruises

Cast away on a voyage down the magical Mekong, the flowing river that was once a vital waterway connecting the royal town with neighboring kingdoms.

Nature

Festivals

It may be remote, but life is made exciting by the many cultural festivals throughout the year -- your visit will likely coincide with a local celebration.

With its charming colonial architecture, glittering Buddhist temples and memorable mountain scenery, Luang Prabang is a unique destination that offers a glimpse of another world. There are endless things to do in Luang Prabang's historic old town area, which sits on a peninsula embraced on two sides by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is a pleasure to explore on foot or by bicycle, its UNESCO-recognized heritage buildings home to an array of French-style cafés, boutique shopping, fine dining restaurants, lively local markets and cultural museums. Outside the heritage area, the surrounding environment is home to numerous outdoor activities.

Situated just a few kilometers from town in a thickly forested setting, with remarkable natural water features that include a meandering river and waterfall, Rosewood Luang Prabang's special location means it provides convenient access to the destination’s historic heart as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. To truly experience all Luang Prabang has to offer, try your hand at rice farming, visit an elephant sanctuary, go for a gentle cruise down the river, or experience one of the many colorful events that take place throughout the year, such as October's Festival of Lights.

WHAT'S ON

TEMPLES

For those looking for the perfect photo: Wat Mai

Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the town’s largest monastery was built in the late 18th century and features white walls topped by a cascading red-tiled roof with golden spires. An ornate gold-leafed mural adorns the entrance exterior, telling stories of ancient times, while inside you'll discover a large Buddha statue, with a smaller emerald version off to the lefthand side.

For those with a passion for history: Wat Xieng Thong

At the easternmost edge of the old town is this remarkable little temple atop a small hill. On one side is the Mekong river, and the “tiger” steps, where royalty used to board their boats, while on the other is the main thoroughfare, Sakkaline Road. This temple, built in 1560, is known for its incredible glass tile mosaics, which include the beautiful and ornate “tree of life.”

For those who don't mind a walk: Wat Chomsi

Luang Prabang is dominated by Phousi, the 150-meter-high hill in the center of the town. Follow the path directly opposite the Royal Palace and climb the 350 or so steps to the top. Along the way you pass a bodhi tree donated by the Indian government to mark the 2,500th anniversary of Buddha's birth, before arriving at tiny Wat Chomsi temple and remarkable 360-degree views.

MARKETS

For those looking for a perfect souvenir: Handicraft Night Market

Every evening from 5 to 10 p.m., a main section of Sisavangvong Road from the Royal Palace to the roundabout is turned over to hundreds of traders, selling unique handicrafts, clothing and decorations. Unlike in some Asian cities, the vendors are very relaxed and the bargaining is always friendly, with many of the items – from jewelry to paintings – made locally.

For those with a taste for the exotic: Morning Food Market

In the early hours of the morning, a network of small lanes close to Wat Mai are given over to the morning food market, where a cornucopia of produce is sold on tarpaulins laid out on the ground. The freshness – and vibrant colors – of all the fruits and vegetables is incredible, though the squeamish should note that the market does also sell live animals.

For those with a taste for the exotic: Morning Food Market

Luang Prabang is surrounded by villages where, over centuries, the locals have honed their weaving skills to produce wonderful textiles. Once used only for special ceremonies, they are now being given a global showcase by NGO Ock Pop Tok, which means “east meets west.” Discover this ancient craft at a nearby village and try your hand at this fascinating craft.

MUSEUMS

For those wishing to understand royal history: National Museum

Built in 1904, this former palace was the home of the Laos royal family for more than 70 years. The ruler at the time of its construction, King Sisavang Vong, chose a French Beaux-Arts design with Lao touches. Today, the interior – including furniture, artwork and decorations – looks almost exactly as it did when the royals left in in 1975, providing a priceless insight into their lives.

For those interested in modern times: UXO Laos Visitor Centre

It's an oft-quoted statistic, but Laos is the most bombed country in history, with more than two million tons dropped during the Vietnam war. This small but informative center – UXO stands for “unexploded ordinance” – explains why this happened, what was dropped, and the tragic impact it's had on day-to-day life in the country. Efforts are still ongoing to remove them all.

For those drawn to ethnology: Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

The excellent Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is devoted to preserving and promoting the art, clothing, tools and traditions of the dozens of different ethnic groups that call Laos home. Altogether the collection features 400 objects, with clear and well-written descriptions and exhibits. As it is located up a steep hill, finish your visit with a drink at the onsite café.

EXPERIENCES

For those who prefer the slow boat: Mekong Kingdoms

Luang Prabang sits on a small promontory in-between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers and for centuries the waterways were not only the sole way for residents to get in and out of the city, but also its lifeblood, supplying fish and fresh water. Today, you can experience the magic of Southeast Asia's most famous river with a special cruise.

For those who seek giants: Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary

Due to their preponderance, Laos was once known as Lan Xang, “Land of a Million Elephants,” and up until 1975 the country’s flag featured a three-headed white pachyderm. Sadly, their numbers in the country have dwindled to a mere 1,000 today, which is why Mandalao, a new elephant sanctuary, plans to re-populate the wild population through money raised through guest visits.

For hands-on cultural experience: Living Land Farm

There's no crop more essential in this part of the world than rice, but how much do you know about where it actually comes from? On this excellent working farm and information center, you're given a fascinating hands-on explanation on how rice is made: from pulling a plough behind a water buffalo to planting seeds in flooded fields to enjoying tasty rice-made snacks.

Walking through the streets of Luang Prabang, you are surrounded by history – from the centuries-old temples to the colonial French mansions. However, it's hard to know exactly when or why they were built, which is why a heritage walking tour with Trails of Indochina is such an insightful experience, as your locally born guide reveals the city's hidden secrets.

For those looking for cultural insights: Garavek

Throughout Indochina, stories about the ancient past are handed down from generation to generation, often told in the form of song. While these traditions are slowly disappearing along with modernization, a small local group called Garavek is holding fast to the old ways, with a nightly performance that explains the myths, legends and folklore behind Luang Prabang.

LAO DINING

For those who with a taste for fusion: Bouang

While there are many excellent restaurants serving Lao and international cuisine, there are not many that meet in the middle. This trendy little eatery downtown has a cool bohemian vibe and creative flair – no doubt due to its two young French owners – and a menu of what they term “Laos revision” cuisine, such as the flavorful Laos meatballs and fresh mango spring rolls.

For those in the mood for romance: Manda de Laos

You won't find a better setting in town than the lotus ponds at this charming outdoor restaurant. Tucked down a quiet side street, the venue is especially romantic at night, with red lanterns casting a soft glow over white tablecloth-covered tables. Order a bottle of wine from their extensive list and enjoy traditional Luang Prabang family recipes (“'manda” means mother.)

For those seeking a true local taste: Tamarind

Founded by a Lao-Australian couple who met here, Tamarind is their combined mission to promote the best of Luang Prabang cuisine to the world. In this old wooden house by the banks of the Nam Khan river, order one of the amazing tasting platters, where you get to try many of the local favorites, such as river weed, spicy sausage, dried bamboo and herbed fish.

INTERNATIONAL DINING

For those in the mood for Indochine: Tangor

As part of Indochina for more than 60 years, Luang Prabang was left with a significant French influence, from the colonial architecture to the humble baguette. This tradition is continued at Tangor, where – surrounded by retro decor and 20th century art – you're invited to recline on wicker chairs and enjoy Indochine cuisine such as fish ceviche, duck breast and lemon tart.

For the best service in town: L'Elephant

Occupying a huge 1960-built corner building at the center of the peninsula, this fine-dining French restaurant is practically an institution. Utilizing organic produce grown in their own gardens, they serve classic French cuisine with local touches -- such as the slow-cooked Mekong fish, fried frog legs and lamb shank with cardamom -- with typical Gallic service and style.

For when only pizza will do: Secret Pizza

While it's not as secret as it once was, this tucked-away pizzeria is still hard enough to find to keep away the masses. Located at the end of a dead-end road in the south of town, an expat Italian – presumably missing his homeland's cuisine – has transformed his expansive back garden into an open-air restaurant, serving probably the best thin crust pizza in the country.

DRINKING

For those with a craving for cocktails: 525

If you're tired of the tourist crowds, beat a retreat to this chic cocktail bar in the town’s western suburbs. Located on a quiet corner, it features a leafy garden with lounge seating and fireplaces for the “winter” months; a lush interior of exposed bulbs, leather banquettes, and local black and white photography; and a menu of excellent cocktails such as the spicy Chillychee martini.

For those who feel it's time for wine: Chez Matt

Upon arrival at this cozy bar – housed in a beautifully restored building just off the main street – you'll most likely hear lively French conversation in the air. With one of the best wine lists in town and an array of tempting tapas, choose to sit up at the bar and engage with the locals, or seek a little privacy at one of the secluded tableswhere you can watch the people go by.

For those in search of local fun: Luang Prabang Motorcycle Club

Don't worry, this fun dive bar isn't full of Harley-riding, leather-clad bikers, but you will find locals pulling up on their scooters and bicycles for a few Beer Lao in the evening, as well as off-road bikers chilling with a cold brew after a hard day's riding in the hills. Located at the quieter eastern end of the main street, choose between street-side, interior or garden seating.

SHOPPING

For those who like unique boutiques: Anakha

Quite simply one of the finest shopping experiences in Luang Prabang, Anakha sells exquisite handmade fabrics, silks, fashion and linens, dyed using traditional techniques, alongside unique accessories, such as a buffalo horn necklace and antique hill tribe silver bracelet. The boutique is housed in the heritage “Blue House,” which was built in 1920 by a prominent Chinese trader.

For those who love to collect antiques: Asiama

This marvelous, well-curated gallery sells a quality variety of authentic antiques and ethnic handicrafts sourced from throughout the region, including tribal masks, statues, amulets and ceremonial items. These are complemented by a selection of textiles and series of silver photo prints chosen by the co-owners: a Lao-American fabric academic and French photographer.

For those looking for a gift with meaning: Celadon

As its tagline promises – the “essence of Luang Prabang” – this small shop sells products you are unlikely to find anywhere else in town. Celadon is a pottery term for glazing items in a light jade green color, and here you'll find many of those, as well as Buddhist religious products. Profits go towards the education of local children in re-learning traditional artisan skills.

TIP: Directly opposite, on the road down to the Mekong, is Hilltribe Heritage, where an ethnic Hmong family sell fabrics, decorations and jewelry they have sourced and made themselves.

CAFÉS

For those who like people-watching: Dexter Café

With its chic black and white exterior and patterned tile floor, this smart café offers a break from your surroundings, with a look more at home in Bangkok (where there is a sister branch) than Luang Prabang. Enjoy one of its coffees from around the world, like the Moroccan version with spices, and comfort food such as the juicy pulled-pork burger with potato wedges.

For those looking for a café et croissant: Le Banneton

If you're a fan of French patisseries, you'll find yourself in baking heaven at this place at the eastern end of town, with its signature café au lait, pain au chocolate, and fantastic baguette sandwiches. They also have homemade lasagne, a range of pastries and tarts, paninis, pizzas, crȇpes and salads. Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a little slice of Paris.

For those who want to try local beans: Saffron Coffee

A combination café and roaster, the beans used in the excellent coffee here are sustainably sourced from small-scale hill tribe farmers north of Luang Prabang. Profits go to support the livelihood of the families that live in these remote villages, helps protect the environment from deforestation and sees processing and roasting skills imparted to other locals.

NATURE

For those looking to cool off: Kuang Si Waterfalls

You see it as soon as your arriving plane dips beneath the clouds – the lush jungle-covered mountains that surround Luang Prabang in all directions. Tucked within these, about 30 kilometers south of town, is this magnificent three-tiered, 60-meter-high cascade, where you can plunge into the azure-colored waters. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike up to the top of the falls.

For those not afraid of the dark: Pak Ou Caves

An important religious site in the region, these remarkable caves overlooking the Mekong contain upwards of 4,000 Buddha statues – mostly made of wood – left over several centuries by devotees. Located 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang, the two-hour boat ride upriver is just as much part of the experience,as you pass villages and amazing scenery along the way.

For those who enjoy the botanic: Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden

These remarkable gardens are the vision of an adventurous Dutchman, who first came to Luang Prabang on a short trip in 2007 and has ended up creating this magical ode to the fauna of Laos. As well as a showcase of native plants and flowers, this is also an emerging research and conservation center, aiming to help promote protection of the country's vast biodiversity.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

For those ready to start afresh: Laos New Year (April)

Known as pi mai, the Laos New Year is celebrated across the country as locals wash away the sins of the old year, and embrace the new one – quite literally. Putting on brightly colored floral shirts, people bring out garden hoses and water guns and proceed to splash anyone who dares move on the street in front of them. It's all good fun, so join in and say “sok di pi mai!”

For those who like going to the races: Boat Racing (August)

Held to mark the passing of Buddhist equivalent of Lent, residents from dozens of small settlements in and around Luang Prabang take to the water to compete for village pride. Resembling Chinese dragon boats, they can accommodate 50 paddlers and are usually made from the trunk of a single tree. As well as a symbol of local pride, the races also pay tribute to the naga, spirits of the river.

For those who love to fire it up: Rocket Festival (May/June)

This explosive annual festival takes place in the sixth Lunar month and sees rockets fired up into the sky to let the rain god Phaya Thaen know that it's time for rice planting season. Over a week-long party of music, dance and parades, the festival culminates in a homemade rocket-firing competition to see who can send theirs the highest – the losers are thrown in the mud.

On the last evening of Buddhist version of Lent, families gather to launch homemade floating lanterns containing offerings down the rivers around the city, casting away their problems. Each village and temple also makes much larger versions, which are paraded through the city to Wat Xieng Thong at the end of the peninsula and then sent down the Mekong in an amazing sea of light.

For those who love to jog: Luang Prabang Half Marathon (October)

With distances of 7, 14 and 21 kilometers, this annual fun run raises funds for the Lao Friends Hospital for Children. Starting and finishing in front of the National Museum, all the routes take you on a scenic tour of the city, running along the river, passing temples and attractions. Indeed, there may be no better way to take in all of the sights.

For those who like the big screen: Luang Prabang Film Festival (December)

It is another of Luang Prabang’s charming oddities that it is home to one of Asia's top film festivals, yet has no cinema. Screenings take place outdoors in a public square downtown. Focusing on lesser-known movies from within Southeast Asia, the festival clearly keeps things low-key, as its logo – the humble plastic chair found at street side restaurants – attests.

For those who love New Year: Khmu & Hmong New Year (December)

Though all of Laos' people mark pi mai in April, the Hmong and Khmu ethnic minorities also celebrate their own new year in December. For both groups – who each make up around 10 percent of the country's population – the three-day festival is traditionally when families from different villages meet up and wear costumes, play music and enjoy tribal games.